Maximize 2026 UAE Holidays: 39 Days Off

UAE 2026: How to Plan 39 Vacation Days with Smart Leave

The year 2026 once again offers numerous opportunities for residents of the United Arab Emirates to combine public holidays and weekends to create extended breaks with minimal use of annual leave. The rules regarding "transferable" holidays, as seen in the 2025 Eid Al Etihad celebration, provide additional flexibility for planning.

In this guide, we show you how to create up to 39 days of break time in 2026 using just 11 days of annual leave, combined with public holidays and weekends. There's no need to spend long hours poring over calendars—we've done the math for you.

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Thursday)

The year 2026 starts with an easily exploitable opportunity. Since January 1 falls on a Thursday, and if the government shifts the holiday to Friday, we get a three-day weekend. If this doesn't happen and the holiday remains on Thursday, by taking just one day leave (Friday), we can enjoy four consecutive days off, including the weekend.

Eid Al Fitr – March 20–22 (Friday–Sunday)

The Eid Al Fitr festival is a three-day official holiday in the UAE, expected to fall from Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, in 2026. As this holiday is linked to lunar observations, the official announcement will depend on moon sighting.

With smart planning by requesting leave from March 16–19, a total of nine days can be enjoyed: March 14, Saturday to March 22, Sunday. This includes two weekends and three holidays.

Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha – May 26–29

One of the most favorable long weekend opportunities is provided by Arafah Day and the subsequent Eid Al Adha celebration. Arafah Day is expected on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha from May 27–29.

By taking leave on Monday, May 25, combined with two weekends, a continuous nine-day break can be achieved from May 23 (Saturday) to May 31 (Sunday). This is an ideal time for a short vacation or family getaway.

Islamic New Year – June 16 (Tuesday)

The Islamic New Year day is expected to be on Tuesday, June 16. This too is a holiday that may be moved at the government's discretion. If not moved, by requesting leave on Monday, June 15, a four-day continuous break can be enjoyed from June 13 (Saturday) to June 16 (Tuesday).

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – August 25 (Tuesday)

The next opportunity comes on August 25, when the nation celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, landing on a Tuesday. By taking leave the day before, August 24 (Monday), another pleasant four-day break can be enjoyed. This may also be shifted depending on the government's decision.

UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) – December 2–3 (Wednesday–Thursday)

The year’s end does not disappoint, with the National Day occurring on December 2–3, which falls on a Wednesday and Thursday in 2026. Two strategies can be employed here:

By taking leave on Monday, November 30, Tuesday, December 1, and Friday, December 4, along with the two weekends, a total nine-day break is possible from November 29 to December 7.

If the government relocates the National Day, an automatic four-day long weekend might be enjoyed.

How do the 39 days come together?

With clever, advance planning of annual leave and capitalizing on the above opportunities, it is possible to assemble up to 39 days of relaxation in 2026:

12 official public holidays

11 days taken as annual leave (at strategic points described above)

16 weekend days falling within these periods

This combination makes the year ideal for several mini-vacations, family trips, or simply inserting rest periods without completely depleting your annual leave balance.

Final Thoughts

The year 2026 holds potential for those who think ahead and skillfully organize their annual leave. The UAE’s flexible holiday transfer system and favorable weekend arrangements make it possible to enjoy up to three times the amount of rest time than leave taken.

Now is the time to bring out the calendar and start planning—since the best flights and accommodations quickly fill up, especially around long weekends. Make 2026 the year where smart choices maximize not only your work time but your leisure time as well.

(Source: Based on official announcements.)